Baychester/Co-op City

Co-op City, located in the northeast area of the Bronx called Baychester, is the largest residential development in the U.S, with a resident population approaching 50,000 â€“ a small city.
Co-op City has its own zip code, power plant, firehouse and police force, an abundance of nursery schools and daycare facilities, and a large educational complex which includes a high school, two middle schools, and three elementary schools. Co-op City offers frequent, reliable accessibility to public transportation, including an express bus to Manhattan.
The 35 high-rises in the neighborhood offer serene open vistas and water views, many units coming with compact balconies big enough to support outdoor grills and seating for the chef and guests during a barbecue. There are also several hundred townhouses in the community featuring garden apartments and upper-level 3-bedroom duplexes.
The apartments, which are well designed and graciously maximize available space, are a great value for the dollar. The buildings and grounds are well maintained and nicely landscaped.
The qualifications and income requirements largely cater to all income levels for couples or families, underlying the areaâ€™s Mitchel-Lama development concept. The monthly maintenance fees are reasonable, and seniors are offered reduced minimum income requirements.
Co-op City offers convenient shopping, eight parking garages, and abundant local services. The Bay Plaza Shopping Center, minutes away by bus or car, is a large mall featuring a movie theater complex, supermarket and department stores.
Thereâ€™s a unique pace and a neighborly friendliness here reminiscent of a small town, and you'll often find several generations of a family living in the same building. Serene, affordable and accessible, the locals whoâ€™ve committed to Co-op City swear by it.
By Ken Hamberg